Flaming Lips Have Their Own Whiskey Now
A Chicago-based distillery has created a limited-edition custom-brand whiskey for the Flaming Lips, complete with a suitably psychedelic label. Set for release in October, Brainville Rye Whiskey will be made from corn, malted barley and rye grown within 150 miles of Few facility.
"Whiskey, it's such a volatile drink," Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne said in a news release. "Upon pouring a drink, it's like accepting that you may become a werewolf – and really, who doesn't want to become a werewolf? Ha."
Brainville will be aged in oak barrels custom made in Minnesota, and sold in the unique rectangular bottles used for all of Few's spirits. The label was designed by Justin Helton, of the Knoxville, Tenn.-based Status Seriograph. A Flaming Lips fan, Helton has previously done artwork for the Black Keys, My Morning Jacket, Phish, several breweries and festivals like Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits.
There will only be 5,000 bottles of Few's Brainville Rye Whiskey available. Suggested retail price is $124.99 for a 750ml bottle.
Few founder Paul Hletko, a master distiller, has a long-time interest in music, as well. He was in a locally popular band, briefly ran his own record label, and earlier founded a guitar effects-pedal company. "Music has always been an important part of my life," Hletko adds, "and when Justin Helton's manager called me about a collaboration with the Flaming Lips and Warner Bros. Records to create a custom spirit, it was a no-brainer."
The Flaming Lips, meanwhile, plan a series of festival stops this year, with dates confirmed through October.
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